Virginia’s Judicial System

(continued)

The only trial court of general jurisdiction in Virginia is the Circuit Court. The Circuit Courts have jurisdiction over the following:

Civil claims:

· over $3,000 but not exceeding $15,000, concurrent jurisdiction with general district courts

· exceeding $15,000, exclusive original jurisdiction

· attachments

· validity of a country or municipal ordinance or corporate bylaw.

Criminal Cases:

· all felonies, offenses that may be punished by commitment to the state penitentiary

· misdemeanor charges originating from a grand jury indictment

· transfer or certification of felony offenses committed by juveniles.

Equity Suits (claims seeking a judgment for something other than money):

· divorce proceedings

· wills, trusts and estate matters

· property disputes

· adoption proceedings.

Appeals:

· appeals from the General District Court or J&DR District Court (heard de novo)

· appeals from administrative agencies.

These courts also handle any case for which jurisdiction is not specified in the Code of Virginia.

At the beginning of each term of the Circuit Court a grand jury is convened. These juries serve two purposes. First, they consider bills of indictment and second, they determine whether there is sufficient probable cause to believe that a person accused of having committed a serious crime did commit such crime and should stand trial. The Grand Jury does not hear both sides of the case and does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.

A Special Grand Jury is convened to investigate any condition which tends to promote criminal activity in the community or which indicates malfeasance of governmental agencies or officials. This Grand Jury has subpoena powers and may summon persons, documents, or records needed in its investigation.

The Court of Appeals of Virginia provides for intermediate appellate review of all decisions of the circuit courts in traffic infractions and in criminal cases, except where a sentence of death has been imposed; and decisions of the circuit courts involving domestic relations matters and appeals from administrative agencies. It also hears appeals from decisions of the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. While appeals in criminal and traffic infraction cases are presented by a petition for appeal, all other appeals to the Court of Appeals are a matter of right. Other civil decisions of the circuit court are appealed directly to the Supreme Court by petition for appeal. The Court of Appeals also has original jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus, prohibition, and habeas corpus in any case over which the court would have appellate jurisdiction.

The decisions of the Court of Appeals are final in traffic infraction and misdemeanor cases where no incarceration is imposed, in cases originating before administrative agencies or the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, and in domestic relations cases. Except in these cases where the decision of the Court of Appeals is final, any party aggrieved by a decision of the Court of Appeals may petition the Supreme Court for an appeal.

The Court of Appeals sits at such locations as the chief judge designates, so as to provide convenient access to the various geographic areas of the Commonwealth. The Court sits in panels of at least three judges, and the membership of the panels is rotated. The Clerk of the Court of Appeals receives, processes and maintains permanent records of appeals and other official documents filed with the Court.

Although the Supreme Court of Virginia possesses both original and appellate jurisdiction, its primary function is to review decisions of lower courts from which appeals have been allowed. Virginia does not allow an appeal to the Supreme Court as a matter of right except in cases involving the State Corporation Commission, the disbarment of an attorney, and review of the death penalty. The Court’s original jurisdiction is limited to cases of habeas corpus (ordering one holding custody to produce the detained person before the Court for the purpose of determining whether such custody is proper), mandamus (ordering the holder of an office to perform his duty), and prohibition (ordering an action stopped in a lower court). The Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction in matters filed by the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission relating to judicial censure, retirement, and removal of judges.

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court serves as the administrative head of Virginia’s judicial system. In this role he is charged with overseeing the efficient and effective operation of the entire system. Assisting him in this task is the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court, who is the state court administrator.

The Office of the Executive Secretary provides administrative assistance to the Supreme Court and all courts in the judicial system through its eight departments. The departments within the O.E.S. include Educational Services, Dispute Resolution, Fiscal Services, Judicial Planning, Legal Research, Management Information Systems, Personnel, and Technical Assistance.

Answer the following questions:

1) Which is the only trial court of general jurisdiction in Virginia?

2) What kind of civil claims do the Circuit Courts of Virginia have jurisdiction over?

3) What kind of criminal cases do the Circuit Courts of Virginia have jurisdiction over?

4) What kind of equity suits do the Circuit Courts of Virginia have jurisdiction over?

5) What kind of appeals do the Circuit Courts of Virginia have jurisdiction over?

6) Do the Circuit Courts of Virginia handle any cases for which jurisdiction is not specified in the Code of Virginia?

7) What purposes do the grand juries serve?

8) What purpose is the Special Grand Jury convened for?

9) What kind of appeals does the Court of Appeals of Virginia hear?

10) In what cases are the decisions of the Court of Appeals final?

11) Where does the Court of Appeals sit?

12) Who receives, processes and maintains permanent records of appeals and other official documents filed with the Court of Appeals?

13) Does the Supreme Court of Virginia possesse both original and appellate jurisdiction?

14) What is the primary function of the Supreme Court of Virginia?

15) Does Virginia allow an appeal to the Supreme Court as a matter of right?

16) What cases is the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction limited to?

17) What are the functions of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia?

18) What is the role of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia?

19) What departments does the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court include?

TASK 4. Complete the sentences using the words and word combinations from the box. If necessary, consult English-Russian dictionaries.

traffic infractions (2); habeas corpus; imposed; petition for appeal (2); original jurisdiction; mandamus; lower court; rotated; domestic relations (2); Compensation Commission; Supreme Court (2); prohibition; disbarment; in panels; aggrieved; incarceration; sits; lower courts; filed with; judicial; convenient access; original (and) appellate; detained person; perform his duty; assistance; Personnel (and) Technical

(1) The Court of Appeals of Virginia hears appeals from decisions of the circuit courts in _______ ________, in criminal cases, except where a sentence of death has been _______, from decisions of the circuit courts involving ______ ________ matters. It also hears appeals from decisions of the Virginia Workers’________ _________.

Appeals in criminal and traffic infraction cases are presented by a _____ __ ______. Other civil decisions of the circuit court are appealed directly to the ______ ______ by ______ ___ _______.

The Court of Appeals also has _______ _______ to issue writs of _______, _______, and _______ _______ in any case over which the court would have appellate jurisdiction.

(2) The decisions of the Court of Appeals are final in ______ ______, in misdemeanor cases where no _______ is imposed, and in ______ ________ cases. Except in these cases where the decision of the Court of Appeals is final, any party _______ by a decision of the Court of Appeals may petition the ______ _______ for an appeal.

(3) The Court of Appeals _____ at such locations as the chief judge designates, so as to provide ______ _______ to the various geographic areas of the Commonwealth. The Court sits ___ _______ of at least three judges, and the membership of the panels is _______. The Clerk of the Court of Appeals receives, processes and maintains permanent records of appeals and other official documents ______ ___ the Court.

(4) The Supreme Court of Virginia possesses both ________and ________ jurisdiction. Its primary function is to review decisions of ________ ________ from which appeals have been allowed. Virginia does not allow an appeal to the Supreme Court as a matter of right except in cases involving the State Corporation Commission, the ________ of an attorney, and review of the death penalty.

The Court’s original jurisdiction is limited to cases of habeas corpus (ordering one holding custody to produce the ______ _______ before the Court for the purpose of determining whether such custody is proper), mandamus (ordering the holder of an office to ________ ____ ________), and prohibition (ordering an action stopped in a ______ ________).

(5) The Office of the Executive Secretary provides administrative _______ to the Supreme Court and all courts in the _______ system through its eight departments which include Educational Services, Dispute Resolution, Fiscal Services, Judicial Planning, Legal Research, Management Information Systems, _______, (and) ________ Assistance.

TASK 5. Replace the words and word combinations in italics with the words from the box. If necessary, consult English-Russian dictionaries and/or other reference & source books on law.

сonvened; sits; aggrieved; term; indicted; indictment; filed with

(1) The meeting of shareholders was organized two weeks ago. (2) He was sentenced to a long period of imprisonment. (3) Any party hurt by the decision of the Court of Appeals may petition the Supreme Court for an appeal. (4) The Court of Appeals holds session at such locations as the chief judge designates. (5) He was accused on a charge of rioting. (6) This is a clear charge of government mismanagement. (7) The Clerks’ Offices receive, process, and maintain permanent records of all appeals and other official documents placed on record with the appellate courts.

TASK 6. Translate the following words and word combinations into English:

1. Суд первой инстанции общей юрисдикции; гражданский иск; параллельная (совпадающая) юрисдикция; бракоразводный процесс; имущественные споры; дела об усыновлении/удочерении; созвать большое следственное жюри; предстать перед судом; обвинительный акт; должностное преступление; срок полномочий суда данного состава; должностное преступление правительственных чиновников; апелляционная жалоба на решение суда; сторона, не согласная с решением апелляционного суда; подать апелляционную жалобу в Верховный Суд; юрисдикция суда первой инстанции; апелляционная юрисдикция; исполнительный секретарь Верховного Суда; разрешение споров; департамент судебного планирования; отдел юридических исследований; техническая помощь.

2. Единственный суд первой инстанции общей юрисдикции в Виржинии – это окружной суд. Окружные суды рассматривают гражданские иски на суммы более $3000, как не превышающие $15000 (что является параллельной с районными судами юрисдикцией), так и превышающие $15000 (исключительная юрисдикция суда первой инстанции), судебные приказы об аресте лиц или наложении ареста на имущество, правомерность подзаконных актов округа или муниципалитета, а также юридических лиц.

Окружные суды рассматривают все тяжкие преступления и правонарушения, которые караются тюремным заключением, обвинительные акты большого следственного жюри о мисдиминорах, поступившие из нижестоящих судов дела об особо тяжких преступлениях, совершенных несовершеннолетними.

3. В начале каждой судебной сессии окружного суда созывается большое следственное жюри, перед которым стоят две основные задачи. Во-первых, оно рассматривает проекты обвинительных актов и, во-вторых, определяет, достаточно ли оснований для предъявления обвинения данному конкретному лицу в совершении тяжкого преступления и соответственно должен ли обвиняемый предстать перед судом. Большое жюри не слушает показания обеих сторон по делу и не определяет степень вины или невиновность обвиняемого.

Специальный состав присяжных большого жюри созывается для разбора особых категорий сложных дел, которые могут способствовать усилению преступности в обществе или представляют собой должностные преступления правительственных чиновников. Специальное жюри присяжных имеет полномочия вызывать в суд граждан, требовать документы и материалы судебного дела, необходимые для проведения расследования.

4. Апелляционный суд Виржинии немедленно приступает к рассмотрению апелляционных жалоб на все решения окружных судов по вопросам нарушений правил дорожного движения, по семейным вопросам, а также по уголовным делам, за исключением тех случаев, когда судом был вынесен смертный приговор.

Решение апелляционного суда считается окончательным при рассмотрении дел о нарушении правил дорожного движения, семейных тяжб, дел об административных правонарушениях, где наказанием не является тюремное заключение. За исключением дел, где решение апелляционного суда считается окончательным, сторона, не согласная с решением апелляционного суда, может подать апелляционную жалобу в Верховный Суд.

Апелляционный суд заседает в тех пунктах, где указывает председательствующий судья. В состав суда входят минимум трое судей, при этом состав суда периодически меняется.

5. Верховный Суд Виржинии осуществляет как юрисдикцию суда первой инстанции, так и апелляционную юрисдикцию. Его основная функция – это пересмотр решений нижестоящих судебных инстанций, на которые поступили апелляционные жалобы. В Виржинии апелляция в Верховный Суд не является правом недовольной стороны, за исключением приговоров к смертной казни, случаев лишения звания адвоката и права адвокатской практики, а также некоторых других дел.

Юрисдикция Верховного Суда как суда первой инстанции ограничивается делами о защите неприкосновенности личности от произвольного ареста habeas corpus (при этом издается судебный приказ о доставлении в суд лица, содержащегося под стражей, для выяснения правомерности содержания его под стражей), дел о невыполнении должностными лицами своих обязанностей (при этом издается судебный приказ должностному лицу о выполнении требования истца), и дел об исключении юрисдикции нижестоящей инстанции (при этом издается судебный приказ о запрещении производства по делу нижестоящей судебной инстанцией).

6. Председатель Верховного Суда является главой судебной системы Виржинии. В его задачи входит обеспечение продуктивной и эффективной работы всей системы. Исполнительный секретарь Верховного Суда активно помогает ему в исполнении возложенных на него обязанностей. Офис Исполнительного секретаря Верховного Суда предоставляет административную помощь Верховному Суду и всем другим судебным инстанциям судебной системы Виржинии. В состав исполнительного секретариата Верховного Суда входят восемь департаментов.

TASK 7. (a) Study the following word combinations and translate the text into Russian:

clerk of the court – секретарь суда court reporter – протоколист суда, составитель сборника судебных решений

The administrative structure of the Supreme Court of Virginia also includes the Clerk of the Court, the Court Reporter, the Chief Staff Attorney, and the Law Librarian.

The Clerks’ Offices receive, process, and maintain permanent records of all appeals and other official documents filed with the appellate courts. The Clerk of the Supreme Court also maintains records of Attorneys qualified to practice in the Court, as well as other administrative records.

The Reporters of Decisions, who are eminent faculty members of law schools in Virginia, are responsible for overseeing the compilation, indexing, printing, and publication of the written opinions of the Supreme Court in the Virginia Reports, and the Court of Appeals in the Virginia Court of Appeals Reports.

The Chief Staff Attorney and his staff provide research capabilities for the justices of the Supreme Court. The work of this office enables the justices to more effectively determine which petitions for appeal will be heard by the Court.

The Law Librarian supervises a library of 85,000 volumes for use by the Court and the Bar.

TASK 8. Complete the following English sentences by translating the Russian words and word combinations in italics. If necessary, make use of the corresponding version from the box.

(a)

was established; elected by a majority vote; misconduct in office; has jurisdiction; violations; perform; to investigate complaints of misconduct; one Circuit Court judge; failure to perform; bring charges against judges; serve four year terms; receives and investigates complaints; one Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court judge

The Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission была основана для рассмотрения жалоб на неправомерное поведение (должностные преступления) made against judges of the state. The Commission имеет юрисдикцию to investigate the justices of the Supreme Court and all judges of the Commonwealth as well as members of the State Corporation Commission and the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. JIRC may выдвинуть обвинения против судей for нарушения of any canon of judicial ethics, нарушение служебных обязанностей, or невыполнение their judicial duties.

The Commission is composed of seven members, избранных большинством голосов of both Houses of the General Assembly, who исполняют свои обязанности в течение четырехлетнего срока. Membership includes one General District Court judge, одного судью Окружного Суда, одного судью районного суда по делам несовершеннолетних и по семейным делам, two lawyers, and two public members. The Commission employs an attorney who serves as its counsel. Counsel to the Commission принимает и рассматривает жалобы and presents the findings to the Commission.

(b)

the quality of a court system; elected by a majority vote; the quality of its judges; by the next session of the General Assembly; for terms of six years; the circuit court judges of the corresponding circuit; to fill (vacancies); the chief judge; is responsible for the management of the courts; to offer legal advice;

Качество судебной системы is determined chiefly by квалификацией судей and court personnel. Virginia is fortunate to have a judiciary of the highest competence and integrity. The judges of Virginia’s District Courts are избираются большинством голосов of each house of the General Assembly на шестилетний срок. Vacancies in district court judgeships occurring when the General Assembly is not in session заполняются судьями окружного суда соответствующего округа. The judges so appointed must be elected на следующей сессии Генеральной Ассамблеи. Each district has a Chief General District Court judge and a Chief Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court judge elected by peer vote for a two year term. Председательствующий судья is the administrative head of the respective courts in the district and несет ответственность за управление судом.

Court personnel are not attorneys and are not permitted давать юридические консультации. However, they can provide general procedural information and try to assist the public in any way possible.